Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Pentagon Announces Replacement Units for Afghanistan Rotation

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2009 -- The following news release made available Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement announcing replacement units scheduled to deploy for Afghanistan rotation:

The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next rotation operating in Afghanistan. This announcement involves a combat brigade and combat aviation brigade totaling approximately 6,100 service members. The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in the spring and continue through the summer of 2010.

The spring rotation of approximately 2,800 soldiers of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, from Fort Campbell, Ky, continues the U.S. commitment to maintain the level of forces necessary to provide sufficient military capability for the NATO-International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to further improve security and stability operations.

The summer rotation of approximately 3,300 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, from Fort Carson, Co, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, will continue the ongoing training and mentoring mission of Afghan National Security Forces in Afghanistan.

In consultation with Afghan officials and NATO, commanders continue to assess the situation to ensure sufficient force levels to best support the Government of Afghanistan, perform counter-terrorism operations, assist with reconstruction, and train and equip the Afghan National Security Forces.